Twelve months ago on November 21, 2008, the axe was dropped on the Grand
Prix du Canada, cutting the Canadian Formula One race that has run for
39 years. It was a shock to many world wide when the news broke, citing
differences between Formula One Administration Limited, a subsidiary
owned by Formula One Management (FOM), and the provincial government of
Quebec along with the city of Montreal.
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Start of 2008 Canadian Grand Prix. Photo by xpb.cc.
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It was a bitter breakup with FOM Bernie Ecclestone stating, "What
was offered them was less than what we get [from other promoters]
anywhere else in the world", while the Mayor of Montreal Gerald Tremblay
commenting that the proposal was "unrealistic" and "unworkable".
Today, the issues have apparently been put to bed with an agreement that
allows Montreal to again host the Canadian Grand Prix in 2010. "The
return of the Formula One to Montreal attests to our sustained efforts
and determination," said Tremblay.
The first Canadian Formula One race was held in the province of
Ontario in 1967, just outside of Toronto at Mosport International
Raceway, and won by Sir Jack Brabham. The following year in a four
year trade-off between the two major provinces, it was held at the
Mont-Tremblant circuit, north of Montreal but safety concerns at the
Quebec circuit were cited and the event stayed in Ontario at the Mosport
road course until 1978 when Circuit Ile Notre-Dame in Montreal became
the official site.
The winner of the '78 race was the local hero Gilles Villeneuve and in
1982, the circuit was renamed in his honor, after his untimely death.
There have only been two other years that the race in Canada was not
held, 1975 and '87.
A certain Formula One driver has had remarkable success on the Montreal
circuit, winning seven times and there is a slight possibility that the fans
will again see Michael Schumacher racing on Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in
June of 2010 if the seven time World Champion does make a return to F1 next
year.
What saved the grand prix event was the Tourism bureau in Canada, not
just in Quebec or the city of Montreal but throughout Canada, including
the Government of Canada.
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Street scene in Old Montréal. Photo by Eric Gilbert.
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"The Conservative government is proud to award such a significant
financial contribution to the nation's foremost recreational tourism
event. Through the $25 million in support that we are providing over
five years, the FIA Formula One World Championship is coming back to
North America here in Montreal. Acting on behalf of our taxpayers has
always been one of our prime concerns and this agreement advances
that goal. The funding in question will provide direct and tangible
leveraging support to our economy. This is an excellent outcome for all
concerned," said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public
Works and Government Services and Minister responsible for the Montreal
region.
Canada has always shown a great deal of forward thinking in events that
will bring tourists to their country from around the world. Vancouver in
the province of British Columbia will host the 2010 Winter Olympics on
the west coast and on June 13th, the east coast of Canada will again see
the fastest open-wheel racing machines and drivers take on the top prize
in Montreal.
"The Grand Prix of Canada has more impact on the tourist industry
than any other sports event in Canada. Of the 300,000 spectators at
the competition, 25% come from outside Quebec. With such heavy media
coverage, the FIA Formula One World not only provides an outstanding
display window for Montreal, but for Quebec as a whole. This event alone
delivers some $89 million in economic fallout each year, along with
75,000 overnight hotel stays. "I am certainly delighted by this news,"
said Quebec Minister of Tourism, Nicole Menard.
